Brands of the future shortlist

SIX Scottish companies have been shortlisted as potential "brands of the future" in the final of a national competition.

The winner of the contest will be announced on Monday as part of the Edinburgh International Marketing Festival. Up for grabs is 8,000-worth of expert business and marketing advice.

The six finalists are:

• Blue Marmalade, which makes environmentally friendly home accessories, lighting and gifts

• High-end bike maker Dakota Motorcycles

• Online language teaching site GrowStoryGrow

• Labels4Kids, which makes waterproof clothing labels

• Loopy Lorna's, a tea house in Edinburgh's Morningside area

• Tray maker Safetray.

The panel of judges is led by Bill Jamieson, executive editor of The Scotsman, which is sponsoring the competition, and includes Graham Birse, deputy chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

• Tickets for the live final can be ordered on 0131-623 3030 or at www.assemblyfestival.com